Point San Luis Lighthouse

Not as promised. Wanted to take my family and mother to the lighthouse as part of a Christmas gift. Purchased tickets for 8 @ 40.00 per person. Regular price is 20.00 per person. I was told the lighthouse would be decorated for Christmas have people dressed in period clothing and a guided tour. Well the only thing we got for the extra 20.00 was some snacks, wine (which we did not drink) and some band playing some music. NO GUIDED TOUR. I emailed Jesse Roberts Executive Director of the lighthouse and told him our experience and he said there was a video, tour and all the other stuff and he himself showed the video. HAHA. I have had several emails with Jesse and when I asked where the video was being shown and where to meet for the tour he did not tell me which means there was none. I have asked for half my money back and he quit responding.
Don’t get me wrong the lighthouse is an awesome place to visit and worth $ 20.00 per person as they do need to keep it up but I would NEVER pay the 40.00 they as for during the month of December
On another note the swing on the Eucalyptus tree is great fun for kids and kids at heart

During December, the docents put on a great spread. With carolers, wine and goodies. The tour was good and the volunteer docents well trained and interesting. The ticket process was a downer as we were signed up for the wrong tour. The instructions for where and when to show up were unclear. The view was great and the restoration outstanding. When you go, don’t forget the tree swing.

This place is awful! Went by paddle board on a Saturday with some co-​workers, were greeted by some nice older ladies who told us to feel free and look around. Then while roaming around the charming lighthouse, were approached twice from some rude ass cranky old men and told to leave! (Probably because we were under the age of 65?)

KAYAKERS DENIED ENTRANCE– do NOT go if you have arrived via water craft. Use the funky little expensive trolley thing — then with approval you MAY get the «nod» from ‘queen lighthouse’.
After hearing about the neat historical lighthouse and beautiful scenery we decided to land our rented kayaks on the beach and take a walking tour of the historical lighthouse and museum.
To be clear, our family of 4, (2 adults 12 and 13 y/​o) were:
1. FULLY clothed — no bathing suits;
2. Not wet;
3. Not sandy (10 minute paved walk from beach);
4. Not being unruly, loud or disrespectful in any way.
5. Not armed with spray paint or other items of potential destruction.
We were told by a retired volunteer, that «KAYAKERS weren’t allowed in — because they are wet and sandy– but you can look in the window to the museum». Woo hoo!
Awesome — thanks again angry cranky old California state volunteers –mission accomplished! Crush out the interest for local history, in interest of being in control and unwilling to communicate effectively.
In the future– here’s a thought:
The people you are keeping out– are the SAME people who will eventually vote to tear old, insignificant relics down to make room for vacation homes and trinket shops. This WILL happen if not given an understanding and education about items of interest.
To avoid this:
Just give people the ability to dust any sand off;
Institute no shirt no shoes no services; and
Explain you need to be dry to enter and why it’s important.

We did the 3.75 hike round trip. It was a perfect morning for a walk. The docents did a great job of explaining history and geology.

I personally love light houses and the back in time feeling, while bringing to life the past families and how they once lived.
Excellent restoration job, fabulous views and ongoing grounds improvements. Hats off to the tireless volunteer, heart and soul hours spent on this worthwhile project.
We took the trolley tour, the reason for 4 stars is the docent that led us thru the caretaker house and light tower, was not very good…
Worthwhile to be sure when on the central coast!

Thanks to my fellow Unilocalers my freind and I stumbled across this place while on a weekend getaway to the Central Coast. I’m a big fan of old Americana and this place fit the bill perfectly!
You have to call or visit their website ahead of time in order to get reservations, I was able to book two tickets on a Saturday morning for a tour later that afternoon. the tour starts-​out in a vacant lot a few miles away from the actual Lighthouse where you leave your car and get on a bus which was too small (by one) for the amount of people that were on our tour (good thing I don’t mind standing). The drive (from what I saw of it) is a pretty scenic drive through PG&E’s property adjacent (but seven miles) from the Diablo Canyon Nuclear plant (no tours offered).
Once we arrived at the Lighthouse (about a 20 minute ride) we were split into two groups and led around the grounds and the interior of the Lighthouse which has been restored back to the way it was in 1890 when it was built.
I was impressed with all the work the Light House Keepers have done (they show lots of before and after photos from when they took it over in 1995). The highlight of the tour for me was going-​up into the tower (which here isn’t very tall because it’s on a cliff) where the light used to be. The light is now stored in a building adjacent to the Gift Shop (you know they had to have one).
You’re given about an hour to walk around as part of the tours before the bus sounds a horn and it’s time to head back-​down the hill. I’ll definitely check it out again the next time I’m in the area!

Love the historic lighthouse and it is so nice that there are ways for the whole fam to see it and enjoy. We went once by kayak, once by hike (docent led), and another with all our family and friends on the open air trolley to the lighthouse.
It was so picturesque and the lighthouse has been fully restored. Docent friendly and a store on site with trinkets to boot.
Hikes & Trolley are both on Wed & Sat. but you should make reservations in advance, especially in the summers months. I recommend bringing a picnic basket to go on the tour and then enjoy the site at a leisurely pace. You can make special arrangements for both.
One person on my group hiked in and took the trolley out with all of us. We had the best of both worlds for our friends and family. They thought we had planned the perfect day.
Check it out at http://

The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers have done a wonderful job in the restoration of the lighthouse. Definitely plan on going back to see it progress.

This is a gorgeous lighthouse to take a tour of! You can take a trolley to get there but I recommend a better way! Every Wednesday and Saturday they offer free hiking tours that leave from Avila. It’s a guided tour because the trail is on the PG&E property by Diablo Canyon power plant. Let me tell you, this is a pretty good hike; you will need good shoes, water, and energy! The hike to the lighthouse takes you on Pecho Coast Trail. Your tour guide will stop every now and then and share some fun facts about the area; a nice little history lesson! Once you get to the lighthouse you can stop and eat some lunch or a snack (make sure you bring this, because there is no where to purchase food). The light house overlooks the ocean, so it is so calming and peaceful to relax, look out at the ocean, and snack after your long hike. Once you are rejuvenated, you can pay $ 5 to go in and tour the lighthouse. I recommend this. Not only is it a great experience, interesting, and full of history, but the proceeds go towards renovating the lighthouse. If you love to hike, love nature, and love history, this is an adventure you won’t want to pass up! Make sure you get a chance to check out the swing by the lighthouse that overlooks the ocean, so fun! Also, reservations are a must! There are only a limited number of spots for each tour. Have fun and enjoy!